As each year winds down, paint companies and color authority Pantone release their picks for Color of the Year. While these picks are no crystal ball into what everyone will be using and wearing in the upcoming year, they reflect a moment in time. They’re a snapshot of the culture as a new year begins.
Was there a theme in this year’s picks? I picked up on a common thread of groundedness in many of the choices. Many companies spoke about the world feeling uncertain and people’s need to feel reassured and grounded. They look toward comforting places such as nature and their homes to feel comfortable and protected. These color choices all tap into those feelings.
Many of the companies also spoke of choosing colors that were beyond trendy. They wanted colors that would last and serve as a backdrop to add other elements of personal expression. Sustainability can be expressed in many different ways and through many choices. One easy way is to buy less stuff. Using colors that are not super trendy helps limit overconsumption, which in turn helps the planet.
Read the rest of the column on Wide Format Impressions.
